Who’s traveling with you?

Now it happened, on a certain day, that he got into a boat with his disciples. And he said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side of the lake.” And they launched out. But as they sailed he fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water, and were in jeopardy. And they came to him and awoke him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” Then he arose and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water. And they ceased, and there was a calm. But he said to them, “Where is your faith?” And they were afraid, and marveled, saying to one another, “Who can this be? For he commands even the winds and water, and they obey him!” (Luke 8: 22-25.)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

The Sea of Galilee is the lowest (below sea level) freshwater lake in the world. Because it sits beside the Mediterranean, warm and cool air collide; producing fierce storms that arise almost instantaneously. Jesus and his disciples were crossing this sea when a violent squall threatened to capsize their vessel. As the Lord peacefully slept in the back of the boat, his companions began panicking. Fear caused them to forget who was accompanying them on their journey. After being roused, Jesus calmed the storm and asked them, “Where is your faith?” Fear and faith are natural enemies. The presence of one often signals the absence of the other. People are gripped with fear when they lose faith in the God who dwells within them. He is a loving Father who has promised to ‘never leave us, nor forsake us.’ As David once wrote in Psalm 23, “I shall fear no evil, for you are with me.”

Some time ago, I interacted with a man who frequented the coffee shop where I studied. He often appeared to be under a great deal of stress. His fearful, unsettled, and distracted demeanor was difficult to overlook. One day he leaned over and said, “Can you give me a scripture, or something from the bible that will help me remember that ‘God will never give me more than I can handle?” I recalled for him the story of Jesus calming the storm. His disciples feared they were going to capsize and drown; but God kept them from perishing. I reminded him that the size of the waves and the level of desperation were unimportant; rather, what truly mattered was who was traveling in the boat with him. By implication, he understood that if Jesus was in his heart, he would always stay afloat.

Today, our lives are like vessels gliding across the sea. Sometimes the surface is tranquil; and sometimes it’s stormy; only those who invite Jesus to accompany them on their voyage will make it to the other side. No true believer will ever slip beneath the waves; for the Lord himself will cause the wind and waves to cease. When you feel fear, remember the promises of God; have faith and you’ll survive whatever storm you’re enduring; your life will be preserved because the Lord is with you.

“Lord Heavenly Father, may we always remember that Your Son dwells within our hearts; accompanying us as we journey through life. Protect us from the storms that arise along the way; destroy our fears and increase our faith. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you.